Hound 13 announced today (the 9th) user feedback regarding the demo for its open world action RPG, 'Dragon Sword: Awakening,' along with planned improvements for the full release and the official launch price.

In a notice on its Steam page, Hound 13 thanked users who played the demo and provided feedback, detailing the major improvements and future direction for the full version. The developer acknowledged issues such as lingering mobile-centric design elements from early development, lack of controller support, and the absence of a lock-on feature. They promised comprehensive improvements for the full release, including enhanced quality-of-life features and refined combat controls.

Regarding the limited scope of the demo, which only featured Chapter 1 of the main story, the developer noted that it represents "about 5% of the total game" and highlighted the content coming in the full version. The full release will open up vast areas beyond the vicinity of Orbis Castle and include main quests up to Chapter 8, as well as hero and NPC quests. Beyond exploration and story, the game will feature challenge-based bosses in dungeons, hunts, and raids, with multiplayer support for hunts and raids.

Hound 13 reiterated that Dragon Sword: Awakening is a premium package title. They added that all in-game characters and core content can be acquired solely through gameplay, and there will be no additional microtransactions after launch, with the exception of DLC such as costume sets and certain familiars. The official launch price has been set at ₩33k in Korea.

Meanwhile, 'Dragon Sword: Awakening' is a title that Hound 13 plans to self-publish as a revamped package version of 'Dragon Sword,' a live-service game it originally launched through Webzen last January. Since its initial release, 'Dragon Sword' had drawn attention for its open world, which captured a classic fantasy aesthetic, and its signature 'switch action' system—an evolution of the mechanics from the developer's previous title, 'Hundred Soul.' However, operations were disrupted after Webzen failed to pay the remaining minimum guarantee on February 19, leading Hound 13 to announce the termination of their publishing agreement. Although Webzen paid the outstanding balance on the 27th, the two parties failed to reach a mutual agreement. Consequently, Hound 13 announced in April that it would pivot to a single-player package game, and it is currently refining the title's quality by releasing a demo ahead of the official relaunch.

The 'Dragon Sword: Awakening' demo will be available until the 24th, with the full game scheduled for release in July. Further details can be found on the Steam page.